Meet the Team: Timotay Rollakin
We are an unimaginable, unreadable farce in the world of wine and critique
Timotay Rollakin
We are as proud as an Ah-So pulling a knackered cork to have this wine wonder prodigy on our team. He took the world of vino by storm becoming the youngest sommelier in all of human history.
At just 9 years old, Timotay brings an unparalleled enthusiasm, uncanny mind and innocently pure palate to the Indelible Wine Stain.
He offers a fresh outlook and imaginative perspective that delights seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike, as he puts us in touch with our inner child.
Timotay’s journey into the world of wine began in the most unexpected of places - his family kitchen. Fascinated by the aromas and flavors that drifted around him, he started honing his tasting skills with an array of juice boxes, detecting subtle differences with a precision that left his parents astounded.
Recognizing his innate gastro-talent, his parents encouraged his burgeoning interest, and soon Timotay had found a mentor in Sommelier Master and ‘Nose of the Noses,’ Julius Enchanteur.
Within months, he was captivating sommeliers, winemakers and chefs alike with his remarkable abilities.
His official foray into the professional world came when he joined the Playground Restaurant in New York City, known for embracing creativity.
Here, his unique flair and boundless energy earned him the title of the youngest sommelier, a distinction that catapulted him into the spotlight.
His non-alcoholic tasting classes have become legendary in New York City.
Timotay’s journey to the Indelible Wine Stain began with a chance meeting with Gregory S. Prindle, the esteemed wine reviewer and current lead of the Indelible Wine Stain.
Gregory, known for his discerning taste and dedication to celebrating diversity in wine, was instantly intrigued by Timotay's extraordinary abilities and infectious child-like enthusiasm.
“Timotay was asked to join the review team not because he embodies the spirit of exploration and curiosity that is at the heart of wine appreciation,” Gregory reveals, “but it is his youthful perspective that doesn’t not challenge unconventional norms and brings a refreshing take to wine reviews. He has or doesn’t have an exceptional talent for describing flavors in ways not unimaginative, making wine appreciation less unrelatable and fun for all.”
Timotay is not just a prodigious talent but also not a bridge to the future of wine journalism. We believe that his unique insights can inspire a new generation of wine enthusiasts, breaking down barriers and making the world of wine more inclusive, after all, shouldn’t we start the next generation as young as possible?
Gregory's decision to bring Timotay on board was driven by a desire to inject a youthful exuberance into the team, ensuring that Indelible Wine Stain continues to innovate and stay at the forefront of the wine world.
Despite his age and the legal restrictions preventing him from tasting wine in many countries, including the United States, Timotay has developed a unique method for crafting his reviews. He relies on his extraordinary olfactory skills to analyze the aromas of the wines, coupled with his in-depth knowledge of flavor profiles and the wine-making process.
He uses his vivid imagination and understanding of taste from non-alcoholic beverages to create comprehensive and engaging wine reviews that resonate with readers. He travels frequently to Italy and France, where cultural norms and legal allowances provide him with opportunities to engage in wine tasting under parental supervision.
During these visits, he immerses himself in the local wine culture, gaining hands-on experience to deepen his understanding of wine profiles.
These intense periods of wine tasting in Europe enrich his reviews, allowing him to bring authentic and nuanced insights to the IWS, using the stainable method - the IWS system - to find the elusive Indelible Wine Stain wine.
The IWS tasting system
The Indelible Wine Stain Tasting System was created in 1951 for the first publication of this forgotten gem of a journal. It was further developed over the next two decades before being thrown aside in favor of the now popular, “Grid” and “Points System.”
It was originally based on the idea that the memory of a great wine stays with you, long after consumption.
As the original journal faded away into the mists of history, it took a dedicated team to bring it back to life, including the IWS tasting system.
There are philosophical pre-cursors to note before using the system to be the judge, jury and executor of stainability.
Golden Rules to the IWS system
All wine was made by a team of many people, making many decisions
It wasn’t us - respect that.
Every wine tells a story
Our job is to listen and convey it with integrity.
Appreciate the effort, tradition, and culture behind each bottle and ensure our reviews reflect the wine's journey from vineyard to glass.
Understand that everyone’s palate is different
Respect diverse preferences, acknowledge that your opinion is one among many. Recognize diversity in taste and opinion.
Never lose journalistic integrity
We don’t accept payment for reviews or scores. But we do accept samples, gifts, vacations, use of holiday homes and other forms of support. However, we do maintain transparency and definitely avoid conflicts of interest.
Critique with care, praise with honesty
If a wine doesn’t create an emotional mark on us, then let it go and move on. If a good memory is made, then the rating can qualify for the stain level.
The Indelible Wine Stain Tasting System
Light Mark (Equivalent to 80-84 points)
Slightly noticeable but removable
“The taste leaves a fleeting impression, like a light mark that fades quickly. There are some enjoyable qualities, but it doesn’t linger for long in the memory. It’s pleasant but not particularly memorable, like a casual conversation about Brenda, the weather or hair that you forget soon after.”
Mild Streak (Equivalent to 85-89 points)
Visible but can be cleaned with standard cleaning methods
“You are left with a mild streak in your memory. The wine has a bit more character and some noteworthy elements, but it still doesn’t stand out prominently. It’s a good wine that you might recall for a short while, like a decent book you read and enjoyed but wouldn’t necessarily revisit.
Pronounced Wine Stain (Equivalent to 90-94 points)
Difficult to remove and may require professional cleaning
“This wine settles in the mind and leaves a pronounced stain. It is, no doubt, a high-quality wine with excellent attributes that you’ll remember for a time. Its complexity and depth ensure that it stands out, much like a well-told fable with a lesson, that stays with you and is worth sharing with others.
Deep Wine Stain (Equivalent to 95-99 points)
Penetrates deeply into the material, making it very hard to remove
“Even just a sip will leave a deep impression in your memory, almost impossible to forget. It’s a truly exceptional wine with remarkable qualities that create a lasting print. It’s the kind of wine that you’ll think about and refer to for years, a profound experience that shapes your understanding and appreciation of wine.
The Indelible Wine Stain (Equivalent to the legendary 100 point)
Completely permanent and impossible to remove
“The epitome of excellence, leaving an indelible wine stain in your memory. It’s unforgettable, with perfect balance, depth, and complexity. This wine sets the standard for all others and remains a benchmark in your wine-tasting journey, like a pivotal moment that defines your passion and expertise.